Over the past two years across the nation there have been Confederate statues taken down, schools renamed to honor civil rights leaders, and Black families honored in Virginia’s oldest towns. Today in Woodbridge, one of the last remnants of America’s racist past was removed as Jefferson Davis Highway was renamed Richmond Highway.

At a ceremony located outside of the Todos supermarket in River Ridge, the Prince William County Board of Supervisors and several other elected officials came together for a change that was years in the making. Due to the efforts of the Planning Commission and local businesses within the Potomac District, they were able to get the name changed of the Confederate leader to the state’s capital city. Several onlookers from the community came out as well to commemorate the special event. Despite the sweltering temperatures that are typical in mid-July, the scene was filled with supporters young and old, which is a testament to the willingness of those not only willing to confront, but to atone, by ending an association with a symbol of injustice.

Afterwards, many of the elected officials who were present spoke with the PW Perspective about what it meant to be at the occasion. “It is monumental for this occasion to be here,” said Potomac District Supervisor Andrea Bailey. “It’s important for the community to understand history and to understand their importance to be able to identify collectively what it means to live in Prince William County. This change shows that we see them and appreciate them.”

Makya Little, who is a candidate for the 19th District House of Delegates, discussed its historical impact. “As a member of the African American History Education Commission, seeing how history has served as a barrier to unity in our community, and how recognition of that is bringing change in a positive way, makes this ceremony not just emotionally uplifting, but empowering for us to continue growing together.”

What made the event unique was the participation of the local community, who can now refer to the road by a more wholesome name. “It’s been amazing in the five years that I’ve been here to see the progress take place in Virginia,” said local resident and marketing executive LaTanya Marble, who relocated to the area from California. “It’s more inclusive and accepting of diversity and of course, erasing some of the stain of the past. Today is a spectacular day to be here, and I wanted to come down and be a part of something so historic.”

Delegate Elizabeth Guzman (D-31st House), who had her summer interns in tow to watch the festivities, credited the hard work of the leadership. “I want to acknowledge the Board of Supervisors for living up to a promise they made when they first got elected,” said Guzman. “This means so much to the county, and I’m very excited to be a part of this historic moment, which will be something I will share with my children and grandchildren in the future.”